Pornography
Overview
About Pornography
The average age of first exposure to pornography is just 11 years old. Pornography is designed to leave a lasting imprint on the brain, one that can easily become addictive. A growing body of research links frequent consumption of pornography with relational, psychological, and neurological concerns. Central to this is dopamine, the neurotransmitter that drives reward and reinforcement, including sexual behavior.
The rush of excitement and fleeting pleasure triggered by pornography can fuel compulsive patterns, leading to escalating use and impairing sound judgment and decision-making. For a growing number of men and women, pornography begins to replace real intimacy, distorting expectations of sex and relationships while acting as a substitute for accurate sexual education.1
In an age defined by instant access and artificial video, understanding the effects of pornography is more relevant than ever.
1Fight the New Drug. “How Porn Can Distort Consumers’ Understanding of Healthy Sex.” http://fightthenewdrug.org/how-porn-can-distort-consumers-understanding-of-healthy-sex/.
Where the
Research Leads
What You Can Do
Support policies for age-appropriate internet safeguards, restrictions for explicit content for minors, and fund research on the addictive nature and relational effects of pornography.
Incorporate honest discussion about the negative short-term and long-term effects of pornography on a person’s health and future, as well as tools to resist cultural pressures.
Start conversations with your child early on internet safety and the difference between good and bad images. For teens, add filtering on their personal devices. Keep communication open and set family standards for technology use.
Offer support programs for individuals and couples affected by pornography use. Provide training, mentoring, and recovery resources that address compulsive patterns and promote healthier relational models.
Further Reading
